Union remembers hero

The Students’ Union Government (SUG) of the University of Ibadan (UI) has held a lecture in memory of Adekunle Adepeju, who paid the supreme price for the welfare of students of the institution. Adekunle was gunned down by the Nigerian police during the protest by UI students in 1971.

The theme of the memorial lecture was The role of students in fostering national unity and integration. The union president, Raymond Edosa, said Adekunle died in the struggle for better welfare services for students. “His death came as a shock to many which make thousands of students present at his burial,” Raymond noted.

Dr Gbolade Osinowo (OON), who was the roommate of the late Adekunle, chaired the programme. He described the deceased as a gentleman with noble character, intelligence and fear of God. He said at 23 years, Adekunle exhibited features of a future leader. He added that Adekunle’s death highlighted problems facing students.

He praised Nigerian students for being in the vanguard of national struggle and praised the union executive members for remembering the late students.

The guest lecturer, Dr Wale Okediran, spoke on the present challenges facing the nation. To overcome these challenges, Okediran recommended a true democratic value and leadership in the country.

Prof A.R. Alada, Dean of Students’ Affairs (DSA), who spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, said Adekunle represented many things to different people. He described the lecture as a call for freedom. Prof Alada said in recognition of Adekunle’s struggle, the Students Union Building (SUB) was named after him.

Chief Segun Okeowo, former president, National Union of Nigerian Students (NUNS), praised the university management for lifting the ban placed on unionism in the premier university. Family members of the late Adekunle were present at the programme.